Silk Road Souvenirs

Chinese Paper Cuts

Paper cuts are a traditional Chinese art form. Some can be quite intricate and very elaborate. All can be quite a bit of fun to create.

Chinese Paper Cuts Steps to Success:​1. To create your Chinese paper cut you will be using very sharp knives. The first rule of every middle school activity is safety, but it is especially important to be mindful of safety for this project.2. Gather your supplies. You will need to choose your cut-out pattern, grab a folder, some tape and a cutting knife.3. Open your folder and tape your pattern to the inside of the folder with the black print facing up. Then, fold the folder so that it is doubled up. This will provide a cutting surface for your work.4. Cut everything that IS NOT black within the border or frame. Do NOT cut the outside border or frame YET. ALSO, do NOT cut the pattern away from your border. Again cut everything that is NOT black.5. Untape your pattern and flip it over so that the black ink side is facing down. Then, find a contrasting or complimentary paper color for your background. Glue or paste the black ink side of your cut out to your background color.6. After the glue has dried, cut around the outside of your border. The border provides a frame for your work.